Salt Lake City has a unique vibe: mountain views everywhere, but the city itself feels energetic and full of surprises. It’s really a great place if you’re looking for a weekend escape.
History buffs, outdoor adventurers, or anyone who just wants to chill and eat well will find something here. You can wander Temple Square, dive into Utah’s story, or go float in the Great Salt Lake.
Not into that? Try hiking in the canyons just outside town. Families have zoos and museums to keep the kids busy.
Couples and friends might prefer the gardens, concerts, or just cruising the scenic drives. Hotels and resorts are pretty close to everything, so you won’t have to stress much about logistics.
In this article, I’ll take you on an inspiring adventure as we explore 10 experiences that really represent what Salt Lake City does best. And, they’ll really make your trip feel a lot more memorable…
So, let’s get started!
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Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.
1. Temple Square
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Temple Square is in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City and covers about 10 acres. It was first laid out by early Mormon pioneers in 1847, just days after arriving in the valley.
The Salt Lake Temple, which began construction in 1853, is the centerpiece, though it is currently undergoing renovation. Visitors can also explore the Tabernacle, known for its remarkable acoustics, and the Assembly Hall, built in the 1880s.
The grounds include gardens, monuments, and museums that share the story of the city’s founding.
A fun fact: the Tabernacle Choir, formed in 1847, still performs here and is one of the longest-running musical groups in the country.
For lodging, downtown offers convenient options like the Kimpton Hotel Monaco and the Grand America Hotel, both within walking distance. Staying nearby makes it easy to enjoy the square by day and return for evening concerts or seasonal light displays.
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2. Great Salt Lake
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The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Its high salinity allows swimmers to float easily, a unique experience that has fascinated visitors for centuries.
The lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville, which once covered much of Utah during the Ice Age. Today, it supports diverse birdlife, especially around Antelope Island, where bison roam freely.
Early explorers like Jedediah Smith crossed the lake’s desert flats in the 1820s, marking it as a landmark in western history. You can stop at Great Salt Lake State Park for views, picnics, and short hikes.
If you’d like to stay nearby, hotels in Salt Lake City such as the Hyatt Place Downtown or Hampton Inn & Suites provide easy access to the lake within a short drive. It’s a great place to combine nature, history, and relaxation.
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3. Utah State Capitol
(Utah State Capitol Building, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA – Photo by Michael Hart)
The Utah State Capitol is located on Capitol Hill overlooking the city. Completed in 1916, it was designed in a neoclassical style by architect Richard Kletting. The dome rises 285 feet, and inside you’ll find murals depicting Utah’s history, including scenes of early settlers and mining.
The grounds feature memorials and walking paths with sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains. The land was once called Arsenal Hill, used for storing munitions before being donated for the Capitol’s construction.
Guided tours highlight the building’s role as home to the legislature and governor’s office.
For accommodations, downtown hotels like the Little America Hotel or Marriott City Center are close by, making it easy to visit the Capitol and explore nearby neighborhoods.
It’s a great spot to learn about Utah’s government and enjoy the city skyline.
Must read: The Top 10 Things to See & Do in Utah
4. Red Butte Garden & Arboretum
Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West, covering over 20 acres of themed gardens and five miles of trails.
Established in 1985, it’s also the official state arboretum in partnership with the University of Utah. Visitors can stroll through seasonal displays, from spring tulips to autumn foliage, and enjoy outdoor concerts in summer.
The garden’s location in the foothills offers views of the valley and Wasatch Mountains. Red Butte hosts more than half a million blooms each spring, making it a favorite for photographers and families. Educational programs and art exhibits add to the experience.
Nearby lodging includes the University Guest House and Salt Lake Marriott University Park, both convenient for exploring the garden and campus. It’s a relaxing way to connect with nature while staying close to the city.
Read next: Utah Travel Ideas: 10 Beautiful Small Towns You Should Visit
(Salt Lake City, Utah, USA – Photo by Thomas Konings)
5. Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah, housed in the striking Rio Tinto Center, showcases the state’s geology, paleontology, and Native cultures. Opened in 2011, the building itself is an architectural highlight, designed to blend with the foothills.
Inside, you’ll find dinosaur fossils discovered in Utah, interactive exhibits on earthquakes and erosion, and stories from the state’s five Native nations.
One unique feature is the three-story indoor “Canyon,” which gives visitors a sense of Utah’s landscapes. A historical note: Utah has produced some of the most significant dinosaur finds in North America, many of which are displayed here.
Families can enjoy hands-on science activities, while travelers appreciate the sweeping views from the museum’s terraces.
For nearby stays, the Grand America Hotel downtown or the University Guest House offer easy access. It’s a perfect mix of science, history, and local culture.
6. Hogle Zoo
Hogle Zoo has been a family favorite in Salt Lake City since it opened in 1931. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, the zoo spans 42 acres and is home to more than 800 animals. Visitors can see elephants, giraffes, big cats, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles.
The zoo is known for themed exhibits like “Asian Highlands,” which highlights snow leopards and tigers, and “Rocky Shores,” featuring polar bears and sea lions.
An interesting fact: the zoo began with just a handful of animals donated by local residents, including a deer and a fox. Today, it focuses on conservation and education, offering programs for kids and families.
Nearby lodging includes the University Guest House and Hampton Inn Sugar House, both convenient for a day at the zoo. It’s a nice stop that mixes wildlife encounters with local history.
7. Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats stretch across 30,000 acres west of Salt Lake City and are famous for their dazzling white surface. Formed from the drying of ancient Lake Bonneville, the flats are one of the most unique landscapes in the world.
They became legendary in the early 20th century as a site for land speed records, with racers like Ab Jenkins and, later, the “Blue Flame” rocket car setting milestones here. Visitors can walk on the crusty salt surface, take photos, and enjoy the surreal scenery.
A fun fact: the flats are so flat that you can see the curvature of the Earth on the horizon.
While there are no hotels directly on the flats, the town of Wendover offers options like the Wendover Nugget Hotel and Casino. Staying in Salt Lake City is also possible, with the drive taking about two hours. It’s a day trip worth the journey!
8. Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon lies just 15 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and is a gateway to outdoor adventure. Carved by glaciers, the canyon is home to rugged cliffs, alpine lakes, and dense forests.
Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and skiing at Brighton and Solitude resorts. Miners once searched these mountains for silver in the 1800s, leaving behind old claims and trails that hikers still use today.
In summer, wildflowers blanket the meadows, while fall brings brilliant foliage. Winter transforms the canyon into a snowy playground.
Lodging options include mountain resorts like Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Lodge, which offer cozy stays right in the canyon. For those preferring city comforts, hotels in nearby Cottonwood Heights provide easy access.
It’s a natural escape that feels worlds away yet close to downtown.
9. Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, covering about 42 square miles. It was named by explorer John C. Frémont in 1845 after spotting pronghorn antelope.
Today, the island is best known for its free-roaming bison herd, which was introduced in 1893 and now numbers around 500. Visitors can hike trails, enjoy lake views, and see wildlife like coyotes, owls, and antelope.
A fun fact: the island’s Fielding Garr Ranch, established in 1848, is one of the oldest working ranches in Utah. The park is also a prime spot for stargazing thanks to its dark skies.
While there are no hotels on the island itself, nearby Syracuse and Layton offer options like the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn. Staying in Salt Lake City also works, with the drive taking about 45 minutes.
10. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Tabernacle Choir has been performing in Salt Lake City since 1847, making it one of the oldest and most recognized choirs in the world. Originally formed by early Mormon pioneers, the choir now includes more than 300 volunteer singers.
They perform weekly broadcasts called “Music and the Spoken Word,” which began in 1929 and are among the longest-running radio programs in history.
The choir is housed in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, built in 1867, famous for its unique oval design and remarkable acoustics.
A fun fact: a pin dropped at the pulpit can be heard clearly across the hall without amplification.
Visitors can attend rehearsals or concerts, often free to the public.
For lodging, downtown hotels like the Grand America Hotel or the Kimpton Hotel Monaco are ideal, placing you within walking distance of Temple Square. It’s a cultural highlight that offers music, history, and community spirit.
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